Storybook Barn nails the 'rustic elegance' vibe

Bill and Lois Jefferson transformed an old farmhouse and barn east of Springfield into an event venue.

Brenna Stark, Special to the News-Leader

When Lois and Bill Jefferson bought a piece of property east of Springfield about 10 years ago, the only structures on it were a homestead house from the 1880s that had seen better days and a crumbling dairy barn of the same vintage.

“It was so ugly,” Bill says.

Bridal parties have their own space, complete with full bath, in which to prepare.

Bridal parties have their own space, complete with full bath, in which to prepare.

Brenna Stark/Special to the News-Leader

Priorities being what they are, the Jeffersons initially turned their attention to building a three-story Arts and Crafts style house overlooking the rolling farmland near Rogersville (more on that next week).

Once that was finished, however, they took a look at the farmhouse and the barn.

Both were transformed and today, the barn has been reinvented into Storybook Barn, an event space that features all of the modern conveniences yet retains all of the original barn’s rustic charm.

“It’s a big thing to make a venue,” Bill says.

That’s somewhat of an understatement.

Step one was making it structurally sound. Bill says an Amish crew came in to shore it up. They used as many of the barn’s original beams as possible and supplemented where necessary.

They added a catering kitchen, bathrooms and an AV system. The barn doors open widely to a covered pavilion area outside, which the Jeffersons say is a popular spot for exchanging vows. Nearby is a large fire pit for those times when celebrations run into in the evening.

The result of all their efforts looks like a scene straight off of a “rustic elegance” Pinterest page.

“What I wanted was to not turn it into a … delicate wedding venue,” Bill says. “I wanted to bring art in.”

When it came time to decorate, Bill was careful in his selection of light fixtures and art. Some pieces, for example, are from his personal collection of paintings and photographs from his time in Russia and elsewhere abroad.

Since it opened about two years ago, many events have been held there, the Jeffersons say.

Most recently, Storybook Barn was the scene of a high school prom.

“Those kids were adorable,” Lois says. “They were just gorgeous.”

Running the event space is hard work, the couple says, but it’s paying off in watching people weave the space into their personal storylines, Bill says.

“Those kids will never forget that (night), so their story is woven into time.”

Nominate a home

In our quest to showcase the widest variety of homes possible, we will occasionally feature homes on the market. If you would like to suggest a home — a friend’s, a family member’s, your own or a client’s — email Jan Peterson at jan.peterson@att.net. In order for listed homes to be considered, they must be furnished and the owner must consent to an interview. Addresses of homes are published only if the home is listed on the MLS or if requested as part of a homes tour.

Need an event venue?

Storybook Barn, just east of Springfield, is happy to accommodate events and celebrations of all types and sizes, from intimate weddings to larger fundraisers and corporate events. The barn can accommodate 150 people with tables and chairs, 220 with auditorium-style seating or 300 standing. It also has abundant parking space and an outdoor pavilion.